U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S

OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

P.O. Box 38712, East Jerusalem Phone: (+972) 2-582 9962 / 582 5853, Fax: (+972) 2-582 5841 [email protected], www.ochaopt.org

Protection of Civilians Weekly Report 11 – 17 May 2005

INSIDE: Physical Protection – Deaths and injuries ▪ Shelter and Property – People displaced, House demolitions, Demolition orders ▪ Natural Resources - Land levelling, Requisitions, Tree Uprooting ▪ Facilitation of Humanitarian Assistance - Incidents involving safety and movement of ambulances, medical teams, humanitarian organisations ▪ Access and Movement for Civilians - Curfews, Access to education, Access to employment, Closures/Movement restrictions ▪ Additional Protection Issues

Of note this week: • From 11 to 14 May, the IDF imposed a full closure on the and the Gaza Strip coinciding with Memorial Day and Independence Day; with permits were prevented from entering Israel. • On May 15, Israel partially lifted the three-week-long closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, allowing for the entry of Palestinian workers into Israel (section 5). • More than eight homemade rockets and mortar shells were fired by Palestinians in the direction of the Israeli settlements and nearby towns during the week. No injures were reported (section 6). • The IDF requisitioned 770.8 dunums (77.08 hectares) of land in Bethlehem Governorate (section 3). • On 16 May, the Israel High Court of Justice rescinded the temporary injunction on Barrier construction work near the West Bank settlement of Ariel, allowing construction to continue. ƒ Settler violence/destruction of Palestinian farm land has increased.

1. Physical Protection

Deaths and Injuries Palestinians: Deaths: 3 Injured: 9 (approximate) Israelis: Deaths: 0 Injured: 5 Internationals: Deaths: 0 Injured: 0

Selected incidents: • 11 May: Students from the Cordoba elementary girls’ school were attacked by settlers in the Old City of Hebron. One girl was hospitalised as a result of the attack. • 12 May: The IDF injured a 60-year-old Palestinian near Salim village, . The IDF was in the area to arrest settlers who set fire to Palestinian-owned crops. • 15 May: A 14-year-old Palestinian boy was injured when the IDF opened fire from the nearby Al Tuffah checkpoint west of Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip. • 15 May: Four IDF soldiers were injured when their tank was struck by a rocket propelled grenade fired from the direction of Rafah, the Gaza Strip. • 15 May: Three Palestinians attempting to enter Israel at the border fence east of Dair Al Balah, the Gaza Strip, were arrested by the IDF. One was injured. • 15 May: Two Palestinian youths (ages 17 and 19) were shot and injured by the IDF in 'Abud village, Ramallah. The youths were taken by the IDF to a hospital inside Israel. • 16 May: The IDF shot dead a 22-year-old Palestinian from ‘Illar village at Kafriat checkpoint, Tulkarm. The IDF stated that Palestinian tried to stab soldiers at the checkpoint.

Sources: OCHA FCU, PRCS, UNRWA, WHO, IDF website, Israeli MFA, offices of governors.

2. Shelter and Property

People displaced/House demolitions/Demolition orders

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 1 Total houses/structures demolished: 7 Total residents affected: 0 Total partially-built houses/structures demolished: 0

West Bank: • 16 May: The IDF demolished seven animal shelters in Zububa, ‘Anin, Rummana and Ti’ink villages ().

The Gaza Strip: • No incidents to report

Sources: OCHA FCU, UNRWA

3. Natural Resources Land levelling/Requisitions/Tree Uprooting1

Nablus/Jenin/ Governorates: • 12 May: Settlers from the Elon More settlement set fire to dozens of dunums of agricultural land belonging to Palestinian farmers from nearby Salim village, Nablus.

Tulkarm Governorate: • 13 May: Settlers from the Enav settlement set fire to agricultural land belonging to Palestinians from Ramin village, Tulkarm. About 2 dunums (0.2 hectares) were burned.

Qalqiliya Governorate: • 16 May: Settlers from the Kdumim settlement bulldozed Palestinian land and uprooted 30 olive trees in , Qalqiliya. • 16 May: The Israel High Court of Justice rescinded the temporary injunction barring Barrier construction near the West Bank settlement of Ariel.

Salfit Governorates: • No incidents to report

Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate: • 13 May: The IDF set fire to a field in Beit Liqya, southwest Ramallah, and at least 60 olive and almond trees were destroyed. The owners spoke to the Palestinian DCL who filed a complaint on their behalf with the Israeli DCL.

Hebron Governorate: • 11 May: The IDF issued requisition order no. T/82/05 covering 1.6 dunums (0.16 hectares) of land in Khalit Addar, northwest of Hebron city, for the purpose of constructing a new bypass road. The land belongs to residents from Hebron city. • 14 May: Approximately 50 dunums (5 hectares) of land cultivated with lentils were set on fire by settlers from Ma’on settlement near At Tuwani village. The crops were destroyed.

Bethlehem Governorate: • 11 May: The IDF issued requisition order no. T/85/05 covering 14.3 dunums (1.4 hectares) of land near Al Walaja and Beit Jala villages west of Bethlehem city for the purpose of Barrier construction. The Barrier will be constructed between the two communities. • 11 May: The IDF issued requisition order no. T/86/05 covering 756.5 dunums (75.65 hectares) of land belonging to residents from the villages of Battir, Husan, Al Jaba’, Nahhalin, and Wadi Fukin in Bethlehem Governorate for the purpose of Barrier construction around Etsion settlement block. • 11 May ongoing: Due to Barrier construction, the main water pipe providing water for the Khallet Anuman village, Bethlehem area, has been disconnected between 7am and 5pm daily.

Jerusalem Governorate:

North West Jerusalem • The IDF continued levelling land between Har Adar settlement and Beit Surik. Levelling also continues in the area between Qatanna and Kharayib Umm al Lahim villages and between Beit Ijza and Biddu villages.

North Jerusalem:

1 4 dunums = 1 acre; 10 dunums = 1 hectare

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 2 • Construction of the Barrier continued along Road 60 between Qalandiya and Ar-Ram checkpoints. Land levelling to construct a new checkpoint/terminal located south of the current checkpoint is also ongoing. • Construction and land levelling continued east and west of Qalandiya checkpoint for construction of DCL offices, a parking lot and a road. • Land levelling and construction of the Barrier continued alongside the road between Jaba’, Hizma and Anata.

East Jerusalem: • Land levelling is ongoing near the Coptic housing project and in Wadi Ayyad near Neve Yaakov settlement, as well as on the northern side of ‘Anata town.

South/Southeast Jerusalem: • Barrier construction is ongoing on the eastern and southern sides of the village and in Sheikh Sa’d.

Jericho Governorate: • No incidents to report

The Gaza Strip: • No incidents to report

Sources: OCHA FCU, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL, Village Council, Hebron Land Defence Committee, Bethlehem Land Defence Committee

4. Facilitation of Humanitarian Assistance

Incidents involving safety and movement of ambulances and medical teams

West Bank: • No incidents to report

The Gaza Strip: • No incidents to report.

Sources: OCHA FCU, WHO, PRCS, Palestinian MoH

5. Access and Movement for Civilians • 11 May ongoing: The IDF prevented farmers from Jayyus village, Qalqiliya, and their families from reaching their land through the agricultural gate near Jayyus. The farmers were forced to use a gate in Falamya village. • 11 May: Settlers from Kdumim settlement prevented Palestinian farmers from Kafr Qaddum village, Qalqiliya, from reaching their land. • 13 May: The IDF detained Palestinians in the Old City of Hebron and prevented them from attending prayers in the Ibrahimi Mosque (Tomb of the Patriarchs). • 14 May: Farmers and shepherds from Yatta and As Samu towns were denied access to their land by settlers from Ma’on settlement. • 16 May: The IDF prevented farmers from Al Khadr from reaching their agriculture land in the Batin Almasy area.

Sources: Palestinian DCL, CPT (Christian Peacemakers Team), Local Villagers from Al Khadr

A. Curfews • 11 May: The IDF imposed a curfew on ‘Ein el Beida village, Tubas, for four hours. • 11 May: In North Jericho, the IDF imposed a curfew and conducted a search campaign.

Sources: OCHA FCU, Village Councils, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL

B. Access to Education West Bank: • School children from Tuba were delayed for approximately one hour during the week on their way to attend classes in At Tuwani. Every morning and afternoon, the school children are escorted to and from the school by either the IDF or by Israeli Police patrols in order to protect them from settler harassment attacks.

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 3

The Gaza Strip: • All of the As Seafa pupils, 24, have decided to remain outside of the area during the examination period because access in and out of the area has not been guaranteed in the past.

Sources: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, UNICEF, Palestinian DCL

C. Access to Employment West Bank: 11 to 16 May: The West Bank was under closure; no access to Israel was permitted.

Governorate Work Trade Humanitarian Permits Permits Checkpoint Permits permits

Nablus 1,021 531 Jenin 348 0 Tubas 131 150 Tulkarm 1,348 550 Qalqiliya 384 590 Salfit 596 190 Ramallah and Al Bireh 1,269 1,150 Bethlehem 1,370 1,569 Hebron 3,000 678 Jericho 95 approved 131 approved 134 approved 700 120 submitted 184 submitted 164 submitted

The Gaza Strip: • As of 17 May, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Labour, the total number of Gaza Strip workers permits was 5,607 including 1,288 with overnight stay. However, Palestinian workers were not permitted into Israel until 14 May because of the closure.

Israel Date Erez Industrial Estate Workers Traders 11 May 2005 0 0 0 12 May 2005 0 0 0 13 May 2005 0 0 0 14 May 2005 0 0 0 15 May 2005 3,770 60 0 16 May 2005 3,936 182 460 17 May 2005 3,987 179 580

Sources: UNRWA, UNSCO, Palestinian Ministry of Labour, Palestinian DCL

D. Closures/Movement Restrictions: • 11 to 14 May: The IDF imposed a full closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during Israel Memorial Day and Independence Day. Palestinians with permits were prevented from entering Israel.

Jenin Governorate: • No incidents to report

Nablus Governorate: • Flying checkpoints were reported throughout the week on Road 60 near As Sawiya, Burin and Deir Sharaf villages, on Yits’har junction, on Al Badhan (57) Road and on the road connecting ‘Asira ash Shamaliya with Ijnisinya and Talluza villages. • 12 May: Settlers from Khomesh settlement, Nablus, protested near the settlement junction on Road 60 against the Israeli Disengagement plan. The road was closed during the protest. • 15 and 16 May: Major delays occurred at Hamra checkpoint. • 16 May: Huwwara checkpoint was closed for one hour after a suspicious bag was found with a Palestinian. The bag was detonated by the IDF and the Palestinian was arrested. • 17 May: Awarta commercial checkpoint was closed.

Tubas Governorate:

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 4 • 11 to 13 May: The IDF established flying checkpoints on the road connecting Tubas with and village. • 13 May: The IDF closed checkpoint for Palestinians.

Jenin Governorate: • 11 to 12 May: The IDF established flying checkpoints on Road 60 near Arraba Ya’bad, Silat adh Dhahr and Jaqba’ villages; and on the road connecting Arraba village with Kafr Ra’i village.

Qalqiliya Governorate: • Flying checkpoints were reported throughout the week at the entrances of An Nabi Elyas, Jayyus, Jinsafut and at Jit junction. • 11 to 14 May: Jaljoulia and Kafr Qasem checkpoints were closed for Palestinian with permits due to the closure imposed on Israel Memorial Day and Independence Day. • 11 May to date: The IDF closed the agricultural gate in Jayyus village; farmers were forced to use Falamya gate (also mentioned above).

Salfit Governorate: • Flying checkpoints were reported throughout the week at the entrances of Bruqin, Deir Istiya and Yasuf villages. • Throughout the week, the opening of Yasuf gate in the morning was reported delayed. • 11 May to date: The IDF increased vehicular searches at Deir Ballut checkpoint delaying vehicular movement.

Tulkarm Governorate: • The tight closure, in place since the Israeli Passover Holiday on 22 April, remains in effect on Tulkarm city. • Flying checkpoints were reported throughout the week at the entrances of Tulkarm city, Baqa ash Sharqiya, Bal’a, Deir al Ghusun villages and at the junction of Enav settlement. • 13 May: A commercial truck rented by UNRWA to transport food parcels from Tulkarm to Kafr Sur was held for approximately one hour at Kafriat checkpoint. • 16 May: The IDF closed Kafriat checkpoint for three hours after the IDF killed a Palestinian at the checkpoint. Movement in and out of Tulkarm city was prevented. Delays also were reported throughout the week • 11 May to date: At Tayba checkpoint remains closed for Palestinians with permits since 22 April.

Hebron Governorate: • 11 to 16 May: Flying checkpoints were reported throughout the week on the At Wadi Al Haramia road, on the Ad Daheah-Al Burj road near Somara village, on the road between Idhna and Tarqumiya, and on Road 60 near Ar Rifa’iyya. Palestinian vehicles were searched.

Bethlehem Governorate: • 12 May: At the entrance of Road 60 from the Al Khadr side, the IDF deployed a flying checkpoint which restricted the movement between Bethlehem and Hebron Governorates for approximately two hours. • 14 May: A flying checkpoint on the road between Taqu’ and Za’ara was reported.

Ramallah/Al Bireh Governorates: • No incidents to report

Jerusalem Governorate: • No incidents to report

Jericho Governorate: The IDF is preventing Palestinians holding West Bank IDs who do not live in Jericho Governorate from accessing Road 90 north of Jericho to the city of Jericho.

Gaza Strip: • May 15: Israel partially lifted the three-week-long closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, allowing for the entry of Palestinian workers into Israel. • May 16: The closure of 24 days on Erez Industrial Zone, which began 22 April, was lifted.

The Enclosed Areas in the Gaza Strip: As-Seafa: • Since 13 February 2005, the IDF has permitted Palestinians aged 30 and older residing in As- Seafa to pass in and out without any prior coordination; males and females aged between 16 and

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 5 30 are still required to have 48-hours prior coordination. The gate is open two times daily (irregularly) at 7.30am and 2pm. No vehicles are permitted to enter or exit. Coordination for international organisations to enter the area has been problematic. The IDF requires prior coordination in order to bring goods into the area. • During the week, two to three persons each day were prevented from entering the area despite having proper documentation. Al Mawassi: • IDF restrictions remain, with the entry-exit gate at Al Tuffah checkpoint generally open twice daily for limited numbers of Al Mawassi ID holders - from approximately 8am to 1pm, and 2.30pm to 5pm. Since 10 May 2004, males aged below 30 years who are Al Mawassi ID holders have been required to have prior coordination to pass though Al Tuffah checkpoint. Since 6 June 2004, prior coordination has been required for unmarried females with Al Mawassi IDs who are aged 18 to 25. Vehicles are not allowed to pass, with some exceptions given for international agencies that have undertaken prior coordination with the IDF. • Tel Es-Sultan checkpoint remained closed. • 11 May: Al Tuffah was open for one time only 9.30am to 11am. • 12 May: Al Tuffah checkpoint was completely closed because of Israeli holidays. Al Maa’ni: • Since 20 July 2002, the IDF has prevented all vehicular movement in and out of the Palestinian area adjacent to the Kfar Darom settlement. The IDF has also erected a fence around the area. The area remains a closed military zone, following a suicide attack on 27 February 2004. • Movement is restricted by the IDF with the entry-exit gate generally open four times daily for Al Maa’ni ID holders only from 6.30am to 7.30am, 10.30am to 11.30am, 1pm to 2pm, and 4pm to 5pm. Regular access is being facilitated for international organisations through the DCL. Abu Nahiya: • A fence was placed around the Abu Nahiya area, south of Kfar Darom settlement, in the corner of Kissufim Road and Salah Eddin Street. Approximately 16 families reside in the area. No vehicles are allowed in and out of the area. The fence is open 24 hours for residents.

Source: OCHA FCUs and UNRWA

6. Additional Protection Issues

Gaza Strip: • In the last week, more than eight homemade rockets and mortar shells were fired by Palestinians in the direction of the Israeli settlements and nearby towns. No injures were reported.

Searches/Arrests

Nablus/Jenin/Tubas: • The IDF conducted search-and arrest-campaigns in ‘Ein el Beida village (Tubas), Askar refugee camp (Nablus), on Al Badhan Road (Nablus) and at Huwwara checkpoint (Nablus) arresting 12 Palestinians.

Tulkarm/Qalqiliya/Salfit: • 11 to 17 May: Throughout the week, search-and-arrest campaigns took place in Salfit, Kafr Qaddum, Kafr Thulth (Qalqiliya). Three Palestinians were arrested.

Ramallah /Al Bireh : • 16 May: The IDF carried out a search campaign in Al Mughayyir village, east Ramallah District; seven Palestinian males were arrested.

Hebron/Bethlehem: • 10 to 16 May: Search-and-arrest campaigns took place in Dura, Hebron City, Idhna, Tarqumiya, ‘As Samu, Al A’rrub camp. A total of eight Palestinians were reported arrested. The IDF also searched homes in Al 'Ubeidiya, Za’tara, Tuqu’ and Al Khadr; three people were arrested.

Jerusalem: • No incidents to report

Jericho: • 11 May: Two Molotov cocktail bottles were thrown at an Israeli vehicle in the north Valley EIn El Beda; no injuries or damage were reported.

The Gaza Strip:

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 6 • No incidents to report

Sources: OCHA FCUs, UNRWA, UNSECCORD, UNSCO, Palestinian DCLs, Palestinian Governors’ offices, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, IDF

Appendix: Checkpoints Status11 – 17 May 2005

Checkpoint Status Tulkarm/Qalqiliya/Salfit Taybeh Open from 6am to 6pm for UN and international organisations; remains closed for Palestinians with permits since 22 April. Efrayim The checkpoint functions as a crossing point into Israel and is only open for Palestinian workers and traders and others from Tulkarm Governorate with a special permit. The checkpoint can only be crossed by foot and is open daily between 5am and 5pm. Kafriat The checkpoint is manned and physically divided into three parts: one that controls movement to and from Tulkarm town; one that controls movement to Israel; and one that controls movement to and from Jubara. Delays were reported throughout the week and on 16 May it was closed for three hours. . Qalqiliya DCO Unmanned. Jaljoulia Access through this checkpoint is only granted for holders of permits into Israel and residents of Ras Tira, Ad Dab’a, Wadi Ar Rasha, Ramadin and Arab Abu Farda. Ambulances from Qalqiliya town to these five villages need prior coordination with the DCL. Only vehicles leaving the West Bank are subject to security checks. Closed for Palestinians with permits from 11 to 14 May due to Israeli Memorial Day and Independence Day. Deir Ballut Officially open between 6am and 6pm. The checkpoint prohibits movement for Palestinians on that road that leads to Highway 5 and restricts movement on that road that leads to Ramallah. Delays were reported throughout the week. Yasuf Open daily from 5am to 6pm. Delays of opening hours in the morning throughout the week were reported. Kafr Qasem Open 24 hours for UN and international organisations and Palestinians with permits. (Road 5) Closed for Palestinians with permits from 11 to 14 May due to Israeli Memorial Day and Independence Day. Nablus: Huwwara Open for humanitarian organisations and Palestinians. Palestinians with Israeli IDs and Southern main entrance holders of international passports are subject to prior liaison with the IDF before access can be granted. Incoming movement is allowed from 6am until 11pm. Outgoing movement is allowed from 6am until 6pm. Beit Iba Open for humanitarian organisations and Palestinians. Palestinian with Israeli IDs and Western entrance, mainly for holders of international passports are subject to prior liaison with the IDF before access can trade be granted. Incoming movement is allowed from 6am until 11pm. Outgoing movement is allowed from 6am until 6pm. Sarra Closed except for villagers from Sarra or Qusin, who occasionally are let through. South western entrance, before the closure regime main road to Qalqiliya Qusin Closed by a gate and an earth mound since mid-March 2004, diverting traffic through Beit Internal closure between Sarra Iba checkpoint. and Nablus Al Tur Only open for Samaritans. The gate is occasionally open for vehicles. Southern checkpoint connecting the Samaritan District of Jarzim with Nablus city Beit Furik Open for villagers from Beit Furik, Beit Dajan, Salem, Deir Al Hatab and ‘Azmut. Teachers Eastern gate and checkpoint. with IDs from the Ministry of Education (about 70) are usually let through. Open between 6 After the closure regime main am and 6 pm. gateway between Nablus and the Shave Shomeron (Sabastia) According to the IDF, the checkpoint was removed 4 December 2004. Soldiers are Northwest, main road to Jenin occasionally seen in the checkpoint. Maale Efrayim Closed for Palestinians unless having permits. Southeast connecting Jericho and Nablus Hamra Closed for Palestinians unless having permits, or coming from these villages: Frush Beit

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 7 East, before closure regime Dajjan, Al Jiftlik, Bardala, , Ein Shibli, Al Nassaria and Al Aqrabania (from which main road to Jordan, Tubas, villagers occasionally are let through). Jenin Zaatara (Tappouah) Permanently manned. South, main road to Ramallah Jenin Al Jalama Main entrance to Open 24 hours for permit holders. Israel Dahiat Sabah al Khayr “al Open for traders and workers with permits between 7am and 7pm. Amn al Watani” Northern entrance of Jenin Imreiha (Reikhan) Open for Palestinians with green permits between 6am and 10pm. Main gate to the Barta’a ash- Sharqiya/ Umm ar Rihan enclave Tubas Bisan Open 24 hours for permit holders. Main entrance to Israel Tayasir Gate Open for Palestinians with permits from 5am to 10pm. Gate to the Tubas eastern agricultural lands in the Jordan Valley Ramallah/Al Bireh Qalandiya Open daily 24 hours for vehicles and pedestrians. West Bank residents, Jerusalem ID holders, and foreign passport holders have access without permits. Jewish and Arab Israeli citizens and from the Golan are prohibited from crossing into Ramallah. Vehicles with West Bank registration cannot pass unless they have a special permit. Ambulances and trucks with food products are permitted to cross. Bet El/DCO Open daily from 6am to 10pm. Access in vehicles only for diplomats, foreign passport holders, UN staff, international humanitarian organisations, and Palestinians with special work permits. Atara Bridge (partial) Open. An Nabi Salih gate (partial) Open. At Tayba (partial) Open. Palestinians do not need permits to cross this checkpoint. Makkabim Usually open for Israelis, Jerusalem ID holders and foreign passport holders. Road 443 is On Highway 443 off limits to oPt Palestinians, except those with permits to enter Israel/Jerusalem. Ni’lin Usually open for Jerusalem ID holders, foreign passport holders and Palestinians with permits to enter Israel. The secondary checkpoint at the entrance to Ni’lin village has been lifted allowing freer access in and out of Ni’lin and Al Midya villages. Rantis Usually open for Jerusalem ID holders, foreign passport holders and Palestinians with permits to enter Israel. Jerusalem Hizma Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank and Gaza Strip Eastern entrance of junction Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff requested on several occasions to Road 437/Psigat Ze’ev show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. settlement Az Za’ayyem Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank and Gaza Strip North eastern entrance on Palestinians with permits and internationals. Road 1. Ar Ram Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank and Gaza Strip Northern entrance on Road 60 Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff requested on several occasions to north. show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Bir Nabala/Atarot Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank and Gaza Strip Northern entrance on Road Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff requested on several occasions to 404 /45 Road Atarot Junction. show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Ramot Alon Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank and Gaza Strip North western entrance on Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff requested on several occasions to Road 436 show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Shufat Refugee Camp/ Anata Open 24 hours for Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs and UN and international organisations; Checkpoint Palestinians from the West Bank need a permit. West Bank vehicles are not allowed. Container (“Wadi nar”) Open for Palestinian vehicles with permits (taxis and municipality trucks), humanitarian East of Abu Dis, main transit reasons and for internationals. Permits not required for Palestinian pedestrians. Israeli- between north and south West yellow plate cars are not allowed to cross. Bank Jericho DCO Open daily 24 hours, after IDF handed Jericho to Palestinian Authority on 16 March 2005. Main checkpoint off Road 1 Open for Jerusalem ID holders and foreign passport holders, Palestinians with Israeli IDs, and West Bank Palestinians. Israelis Jews are prohibited from crossing into Jericho.

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 8 Vehicles with West Bank registrations can pass without permits. Al Auja (Yitav) Open 24 hours for Palestinian living in Jericho District. Prohibited for Palestinians holding On Road 90 West Bank ID cards from other governorates. Gate opposite Allenby Gate manned by the IDF. Closed at all times. Soldiers open the gate for shuttle busses Checkpoint off Road 90 taking Palestinians to Allenby Border Crossing to Jordan. Bethlehem Gilo The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli North entrance to Bethlehem Independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours but only for Israeli-plated cars and international organisations and Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs. However, the majority of permits issued are only valid between 5am and 7pm. Inbound and outbound traffic travels on one lane causing delays. Ein Yalow The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli Bypass road east of Walaja, Independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours but only for Israeli-plated on cars and international organisations and Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs. However, the majority of permits issued are only valid between 5am and 7pm. Beit Jala DCO Opening times have extended and are now from 6am to 12pm for all traffic. Palestinian Entrance to Beit Jala public and private vehicles are allowed to pass, all commercial trucks are rerouted to the eastern side of the city of Bethlehem. Tunnels The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli Road 60 at Har Gilo independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours for humanitarian organizations and Palestinians with valid Jerusalem permits. Settlers’ Checkpoint - Efrata Open 24 hours for settlers only. Checkpoint manned by settlers; movement beyond it Southern entrance to restricted for Palestinians. settlement Efrata Open 24 hours. Not always manned. Connecting Road 60 to Road 356 Gush Etzion Open 24 hours. Not always manned. On Road 60, at Etzion turn Wadi Fukin The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli Crossing to Israel on Road independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours, but only Palestinian 375, Green Line workers and traders with valid permits are allowed to cross. Al Jab’a The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli Crossing to Israel on Road Independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours, but only Palestinian 367, Green Line workers and traders with valid permits are allowed to cross. Ein Gedi On bypass Road 90; formally located near the Avnot settlement but was moved south to the On Road 90, along Dead Sea. intersection with the settlement of Mitzpe Shalem. No Palestinian-plated vehicles allowed on Road 90. Hebron Beit Awwa Crossing along Road 354 only for humanitarian organisations and critical service providers. At entrance to Negohot settlement, on Road 354 Tarqumiya The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli Entrance for commercial Independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open only for workers and traders with goods (back-to-back), west of valid permits from 6am to 5pm. Hebron on Road 35 for both Hebron and Bethlehem districts Meitar The checkpoint was closed between 11 and 14 May in conjunction with Israeli On Road 60, Green Line after Independence Day. In general, the checkpoint is open 24 hours but only Palestinians with intersection with Tene valid permits are allowed to pass. Manned by Israeli Border Police settlement road. Shani The checkpoint was unmanned during the week. In general, the checkpoint remains partially At turn for Shani settlement on manned. A military base has been established nearby. Road 317. Beit Yatir Manned by the IDF. Open 24 hours. Residents of Imneizeil village are allowed to cross but On Road 316, at the turn for other Palestinians are asked for permits. Teachers from other areas are allowed to pass in the settlement of Beit Yatir accordance with a list held by the IDF at the checkpoint. Prayers Road, H2 Closed to Palestinians. Access to area of Ibrahimi Mosque Shohada street, H2 Open to Palestinians living beyond it and in the Tel Rumeida area in accordance with a list Western entrance to Shohada held by the IDF at the checkpoint. Long delays and problematic passage were reported street throughout the week. Ibrahimi Mosque, H2 Worshippers and visitors searched upon entry. Access to the Mosque Bab Al Baladiyye , H2 The checkpoint is closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of Shohada Street. (formerly Shalala Street) Next to settlement of Beit Romano Qarantina, H2 Closed to Palestinians Junction with Shohada Street

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 9 Bab Al-Khan, H2 Closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of Shohada Street and north toward the Entrance to Avraham Avinu market. settlement Tel Rumeida, H2 Open only to Palestinians travelling by foot living between it and the settlement. Beginning of street leading to settlement Gaza Crossings/Checkpoints Erez Since 25 April, Erez crossing has been closed for Palestinians, entry was only granted to humanitarian cases and VIPs. Erez crossing remained closed 11 to 14 May and reopened on 15 May. Erez Industrial zone Erez Industrial Zone reopened on 16 May 2005, after being closed since 22 April. Netzarim Junction Closed Abu Houli Junction Since 9 February, Abu Houli checkpoint has been open 24 hours a day. Traffic is only allowed in one direction at any one time. Since 13 March, private cars have been allowed to cross but at least four people need to be inside. Abu Al Ajin Road Closed Salah Eddin at Kfar Darom Closed West Morag Junction Main Salah Edin road was open at Sufa/Morag Beach Road 24 hour opening Al Muntar Junction Closed Rafah Passenger Terminal Since 20 February, Rafah Terminal has been open from 8.30am to 4pm for all Palestinians without age restrictions.

Commercial checkpoints: Tulkarm/Qalqiliya

Taybeh The back-to-back is operational from 730am to 5pm, except on Saturday. Qalqiliya DCO The back-to-back system has not been in use since all trucks have had full access to Qalqiliya city.

Nablus Awarta checkpoint Open from 6am to 5pm. On 17 May, the checkpoint was closed. Main commercial checkpoint in Nablus since July 2003. Jenin Al Jalama Open from 8am to 4pm Sunday to Thursday. Transit of trucks need liaison with the Northern entrance/ main Palestinian DCL. commercial check point. Ramallah/Al Bireh

Beituniya Officially open 7am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 1pm on Fridays and closed New back-to-back checkpoint is Saturdays. Open for commercial goods and a back-to-back system is in operation. Only now in operation. Palestinians from Kafr ‘Aqab and Sameeramees holding Jerusalem IDs and driving Israeli yellow-plated trucks are allowed to pass through this checkpoint without using the back-to- back system. This checkpoint is not open for private cars or pedestrians. ICRC and UN vehicles are permitted to cross. Jericho Back-to-back checkpoint/DCO Open, but only for basic necessities, including dairy products. Other goods need a permit to checkpoint be brought in. Closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. Opening hours are 6am to 8pm. Gaza Strip

Karni The crossing was partially open from 7am to 11pm. Sufa Sufa crossing remained closed for labourers but was open for construction materials 7am to 5pm.

Road Gates Gate Status Tulkarm Anabta The gate is now removed following the handover of Tulkarm to the Palestinian Authority. Palestinians are now able to travel east.

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 10

OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 11-17 May 2005 | 11